Ayurveda

Ayurveda is considered one of the world’s oldest and most sophisticated medical systems, originating over 5,000 years ago in what is today India.   The yoga that we practice in class and individually is often considered an important element of Ayurvedic treatment!   

Ayurveda is based on the concept that we are created of different elements: Fire, Water, Air, Ether, and Earth.  These elements are considered underlying concepts that support our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits.

Fire: the concept of transformation: One can understand fire as a force underlying our metabolism (transformation of food into nutrients); or comprehension in the mind (transforming ideas into meaning and understanding…..

Air: is the concept of motion – and underlies movement through our bodies and minds – the movement of thoughts, the circulation of blood and lymph, as just a few examples.

Ether: the idea of space.  The space in our nasal passages, ear canals, digestive tracks – bone matrix…..

Water: is associated with flow.   Flow can be understood using the analogy of a lake.  The substance of water is malleable, fluid, and flexible.  On its own, it can be almost motionless — (as the glassy surface of a lake in the early morning), but with the support of the wind at mid-day, waves pick up. Lymph in our bodies, for example, does not flow on its own accord but with the support of the pulse of lymphatic vessels or movement that we literally create in our bodies. (as in yoga!)

Earth: is expressed in the quality of structure.   The structure of our skeletons, or the containment of muscle by fascia.  The structure of our blood and lymphatic vessels – as a few examples.

In Ayurveda, we are each born with a unique combination of these elements that create our constitutions.  A combination of two elements is called a “dosha”.   A person who has a predominant Vata dosha may naturally exhibit more qualities of air and ether (examples: variability, lightness, coldness, dryness), while a person of Pitta may present more qualities of fire (heat, lightness, dryness, clarity).  A person with predominant Kapha dosha would express more of the elements of earth and water (heaviness, stability, coldness, dampness).   Generally, we are not just one dosha but contain percentages of all three!

An Ayurvedic Practitioner can help you determine your constitution and gain important insight into any imbalance.  We meet you wherever you are in your process to incorporate gentle tools for healing and balance.   A tool may be a dietary shift, an herbal recommendation, or exploring your lifestyle.

Ayurveda is now being recognized by wider medical communities, including our Western allopathic systems, for its great potential as a complementary medical modality.   It has been demonstrated to support things like:

• Healing stubborn digestive issues
•  Sleep
• Emotional and Mental Health
• Helping to alleviate or moderate challenging side effects of medications, such as Cancer treatments. 
• In Cancer recovery – supporting you in regaining strength and immunity after treatment, and in Cancer prevention
• Support for neurological conditions such as MS and Parkinsons
• Managing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause
• Blood Sugar stabilization and Diabetes control
• Bone and Joint Health

Information for this essay was drawn from Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine by Dr. Marc Halpern and Clinical Ayurvedic Medicine Volumes 1 and 2 by Dr. Marc Halpern.

With Christy Fisher

Ayurveda and Healthy Aging

Wednesday, May 20, 2026  7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

FREE!
Online 

Register to attend online via Zoom -> click here

Considered a sister science of Yoga, Ayurveda is one of the oldest and most sophisticated medical systems in the world. It is now recognized globally as a powerful complementary healing modality.

In this special class, we will begin to explore how Ayurvedic tools can support graceful aging.

We will learn about:

• Foundational principles of Ayurveda
• Foods, herbs, and spices for Cancer prevention and recovery
• Stress management as a powerful anti-aging tool.
• A daily practice for relaxation (with recording).

$135 -> purchase here

A great opportunity to learn about yourself through the lens of Ayurveda and to receive initial support.  In our sessions, we work gently, one step at a time, progress over perfection!

1. First Session:This introductory session takes about 1 ½ – 2 hours.  We’ll incorporate a structural body, pulse, and tongue analysis.  We’ll also look at short-term and long-term health and lifestyle patterns. 
2. Second Session:This session is generally scheduled a week or two after the first and lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour.  Based on information gathered in our first session, you will learn about your “prakruti” or natural constitution. You can think of this in part as related to your genetic makeup. We’ll also explore your “vikruti” or areas where you may be experiencing imbalance or health issues. Initial recommendations will be offered to get you started, whether it be incorporating herbs, a simple shift in diet, or lifestyle.

To learn more, and/or to schedule your first session, email Christy: christy@wallingfordyoga.com .

$75 -> purchase here

To schedule your session, email Christy: christy@wallingfordyoga.com

$350 -> purchase here

Gaining support over several months with an experienced practitioner can have a profound positive impact on your health!

To schedule your sessions, email Christy: christy@wallingfordyoga.com